Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday urged South Korea to "step up" efforts to assist in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This request aligns with the United States' ongoing "Project Freedom" mission, which aims to restore safe passage through the vital waterway.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth's remarks were made during a press conference at the Pentagon, following U.S. President Donald Trump's social media statement urging South Korea's participation in freeing up shipping lanes in the strait, which have been obstructed amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Hegseth emphasized the importance of allied countries, including Japan, Australia, and European nations, in contributing to the effort, noting that the U.S. is setting conditions for others to join.

The defense secretary highlighted President Trump's assertion that nations reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports should help secure it. Hegseth reiterated Trump's message, likening it to a call for these countries to defend their own shipping routes. Questions were raised about South Korea's engagement with the U.S. military concerning a South Korean cargo ship recently struck by an explosion. Hegseth confirmed that U.S. Central Command, responsible for operations in the Middle East, is in contact with the affected vessel.

Hegseth addressed the ongoing cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran, affirming its current status while expressing vigilance over its future sustainability. He defended Project Freedom as a mission to ensure freedom of navigation and commerce in the strait. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine also reported that Iran's regional attacks have left approximately 22,500 mariners on over 1,550 commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf.